GeoGebra STEM Exploration

Develop 'real world' GeoGebra mathematical modelling applications which reach out to a wide range of users both students and teachers

Lesson idea. GeoGebra is free, open-source software for mathematics, science and technology which has a rapidly-growing international user base. It is the STEM equivalent of “Office" style software for business. It has very many powerful features to support interactive use, which can pose a challenge for many to get started. Students are offered a unique opportunity to contribute to its adoption in UK education by developing 'real world' applications for use by students and teachers with a wide range of technical ability.

Teaching approach. The half-term activity consists of 3 half-day workshops interspersed with home-working and on-line collaboration. Each workshop is part tutorial and help in GeoGebra, part development, presentation and feedback on their emerging work. The three half-day sessions become gradually less structured as students become more confident taking the initiative in developing their own work:

An initial GeoGebra tutorial session features ‘real life’ examples such as mathematical modelling(ta) and visualisation(ta) from photographs of patterns and structure in flowers and architecture; exercises such as “math aerobics” where students model algebraic functions kinaesthetically; and data analysis and exploration such as from astronomy (Kepler's 3rd law) and athletic performance (Usain Bolt’s 100m sprints). Realistic examples such as these, or from students’ previous work, are essential to get the ball rolling.
Following this, the onus is very much on the student’s own initiative. The focus on ‘real life’ and student ownership of ideas and project development increases student motivation.

This was a joint project with students, teachers and four organisations: CCITE is the umbrella organisation providing a Cambridge Centre for Innovation in Technological Education. STEM Team East provide expert engagement with schools and the CREST award. The University of Cambridge Faculty of Education project ORBIT provide research expertise, teacher education expertise and the ORBIT database (Open Resource Bank for Interactive Teaching). GeoGebra is a world-wide community developing and using the GeoGebra software.